The main difference between Ruggable's Tufted and Regular rugs is their texture and thickness. Tufted rugs have a plush, high-pile surface that feels soft and cozy underfoot, adding warmth and visual depth to a room. In contrast, Ruggable’s Regular flatweave rugs have a smooth, low-profile design that is sleek, versatile, and better suited for high-traffic areas and fitting under doors.
Here’s a full comparison to help you choose the right washable rug from Ruggable for your home.
Ruggable Tufted Rugs
Ruggable's Tufted collection is designed for comfort, featuring a thick, wonderfully soft pile that offers a more luxurious and tactile experience. Created by punching yarns through a backing material, these rugs provide textural depth and a cushy feel that’s perfect for spaces where you want to add warmth and a cozy atmosphere, like bedrooms and living rooms, all while retaining Ruggable's famous machine-washable convenience.
- What it is: A two-piece washable rug system featuring a plush, textured top layer with a noticeable pile.
- Key features: Thick, soft tufted pile, stain and water-resistant, machine-washable rug cover, non-slip rug pad included.
- Price: Generally 10-20% more expensive than their flatweave counterparts, ranging from approximately $200 to $600+ depending on size.
- Style: Cozy, warm, and luxurious. Best for traditional, bohemian, and eclectic interiors that benefit from added texture.
- Materials/Construction: Yarns are machine-tufted through a durable polyester backing, creating a dense, plush pile.
- Pros: Exceptionally soft and comfortable underfoot. Adds significant warmth and visual texture. Looks and feels more high-end and luxurious. Still easy to clean despite its plushness.
- Cons: Higher price point. Thicker pile can be more challenging to place under low-clearance doors or furniture. May show wear patterns more visibly in very high-traffic paths.
The Tufted collection is perfect for anyone wanting to prioritize comfort and create an inviting, cozy feel without sacrificing the practicality of a washable rug.
Shop this product: ruggable.com/collections/tufted-rugs
Ruggable Regular (Flatweave) Rugs
Ruggable's Regular rugs, also known as flatweave, are the brand's classic offering. These rugs have a low-profile, smooth surface created by weaving or printing designs directly onto the fabric. Their thin construction makes them incredibly versatile, durable, and practical for busy households, fitting easily into high-traffic areas, under furniture, and beneath doorways without creating a tripping hazard.
- What it is: A two-piece washable rug system with a low-profile, smooth and non-textured top layer.
- Key features: Sleek and flat surface, stain and water-resistant, machine washable, minimal pile, fits easily under doors.
- Price: More budget-friendly, with prices typically between $150 and $400 for common sizes.
- Style: Modern, minimalist, and contemporary. The smooth surface allows for crisp, detailed patterns, making it a highly versatile choice for any decor style.
- Materials/Construction: Made from woven polyester with a water-resistant polyurethane barrier. Patterns are often printed onto the flat surface.
- Pros: More affordable than the Tufted collection. The low profile is ideal for high-traffic zones like hallways, kitchens, and entryways. Easy to spot-clean and fits well under doors and furniture. An enormous range of printed designs is available.
- Cons: Lacks the softness and plush feel of a traditional pile rug. Can feel more utilitarian and less cozy underfoot. Does not add the same level of warmth or texture as a tufted rug.
This original style is the go-to choice for homeowners who value durability, easy maintenance, and functionality in busy areas of their home.
Shop this product: ruggable.com
Ruggable Tufted vs. Regular (Flatweave) Rugs: A Comparison
Materials & Texture
The most significant difference lies in the texture. A Tufted Ruggable feels soft, plush, and warm, similar to traditional pile rugs, because thousands of yarn tufts create a cushioned surface. You can feel the texture and depth under your feet. It’s crafted to be comfortable for lounging on the floor or stepping onto first thing in the morning.
A Regular Ruggable is a flatweave rug with a smooth, almost canvas-like surface. There is no pile, making it feel sleek and functional rather than soft. While it's not uncomfortable, its primary benefit is utility and ease of cleaning, not a plush, cozy feel.
Style & Aesthetic
The Tufted rug brings a cozy, lived-in luxury to a room. Its texture adds visual weight and warmth, making spaces feel more inviting and less stark. This style works exceptionally well in settings aiming for a comfortable, traditional, or bohemian aesthetic where texture is a key design element.
The Regular flatweave rug offers a clean, modern look. The smooth surface allows for highly detailed, crisp printed patterns that can serve as a bold graphic statement or a subtle backdrop. It's the perfect choice for minimalist, Scandinavian, or contemporary spaces where clean lines and functional design are paramount.
Placement & Suitability
Where you plan to place the rug is a major deciding factor. The Tufted Rug is an excellent choice for low-traffic areas dedicated to comfort, like bedrooms, nurseries, or formal living rooms. Its higher pile is a delight underfoot, but it won’t hold up as well under the constant shuffling and foot traffic of a main hallway.
Ruggable's Regular rugs shine in high-traffic zones. Their low-profile construction resists matting and is easy to clean, making them ideal for entryways, kitchens, family rooms, and hallways. They also fit seamlessly under furniture and are less likely to cause issues with door clearance - a common challenge with thicker rugs.
Price & Value
Tufted Ruggable rugs come at a premium, typically costing 10-20% more than a Regular rug of the same size. This higher cost reflects the more complex tufting process and additional material needed to create the plush pile. The value comes from the added comfort and luxurious feel it brings to a space.
The Regular flatweave rug offers incredible value for its price. It provides the full Ruggable promise of washability, durability, and style at the brand's most accessible price point. If your top priorities are practicality and budget, the Regular rug is the clear winner for value.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both rug styles deliver on Ruggable's promise of stylish, washable, and durable floor coverings, but they cater to different needs and aesthetic preferences.
Choose the Ruggable Tufted if:
- You want a soft, plush, and cushioned feel under your feet.
- The rug is for a cozy space like a bedroom, nursery, or a low-traffic lounge area.
- Adding texture and warmth to your room's design is a top priority.
- You're willing to invest a little more for a luxurious look and feel.
Choose the Ruggable Regular (Flatweave) if:
- You need a durable solution for a high-traffic area like an entryway, hallway, or kitchen.
- Your budget is a primary consideration, and you want the most affordable option.
- You prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic with crisp and clear patterns.
- You need a low-profile rug that won't obstruct an opening door or get caught on furniture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Ruggable's tufted and regular rugs?
The main difference is texture and thickness. Tufted rugs have a thick, soft pile for a plush feel, while Regular (flatweave) rugs have a smooth, thin, low-profile surface. This affects their look, feel, and best placement in the home.
Are Tufted Ruggables still machine washable?
Yes. Despite their plushness, the Tufted rug covers are designed to be removable and fit in a standard home washing machine, just like their flatweave counterparts. They fully uphold Ruggable's signature washable promise.
Which Ruggable is better for pets and kids?
Both are excellent choices. Regular flatweave rugs are slightly easier to wipe down and are less likely to have messes get embedded in the fibers. Tufted rugs are much softer and cozier for kids and pets to play on. For durability in high-traffic play areas, the Regular is better, for comfort, the Tufted wins.
Do Tufted Ruggable rugs shed?
The Tufted rugs are made from durable polyester and are manufactured to minimize shedding. You may find a few loose fibers when the rug is new, but it is not prone to the heavy or continuous shedding seen in some wool rugs.
Does the thicker Tufted rug fit in a standard washing machine?
Yes, all Ruggable rug covers, including the tufted styles, are designed to fit into standard residential washing machines. However, for the very largest sizes (like the 9x12), it's recommended to use a large-capacity or commercial-grade machine, which is true for both styles.
Which style is more durable?
Both styles are built for durability with stain-resistant materials. The Regular flatweave rug's low pile might have a slight edge in very high-traffic areas, as there is no pile to crush or mat over time. However, both are designed to withstand normal household wear and tear exceptionally well.
Can you vacuum a Tufted Ruggable?
Absolutely. It's recommended to vacuum Tufted Ruggables regularly. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar or with the bar turned off to gently lift dirt without pulling on the yarn tufts.
Is a Tufted rug thick enough without a rug pad?
All Ruggable rugs operate as a two-piece system. The rug cover (both Tufted and Regular) must be used with the non-slip Ruggable pad. It provides a cushioned base, keeps the rug in place, and is essential to the system's function.
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